Alert system and personal apparatus

ABSTRACT

An alert system and apparatus for an emergency alert system is provided to disseminate emergency information to the public utilizing a universal paging system through a personal alert device such as a cellular telephone, pager, PDA or E-FOB. The alert system utilizes an emergency alert system signal from the NOAA alert system to broadcast the alert message to cellular devices in a specified alert area. The broadcast message provides information related to the alert level. The E-FOB may be a passive device which is activated by a NOAA alert signal and then listens for a cellular message. If the E-FOB is within the alert area, the E-FOB provides information to the user. If the E-FOB is not within the alert area, the E-FOB returns to a passive state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of a prior filed, co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 60/603,697, filed Aug. 23, 2004 entitled EMERGENCYALERT RESPONSE SYSTEM.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an alert system and apparatus for anemergency alert system, and in particular, to an alert system andapparatus to disseminate emergency information to the public utilizing auniversal paging system through a personal alert device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) proposed in the mid-1990'sthe establishment of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) as a replacementfor the aging Emergency Broadcast System (EBS). The creation of the EAShas allowed for and continues to improve the dissemination ofinformation vital to ensuring the safety of the public in the event ofsevere weather, catastrophic event and/or terrorist attacks. The EASsystem has adopted a mandatory standard digital protocol that will beused by all broadcast station licensees, including noncommercialeducational class D FM stations and low power TV stations. The creationof this universal digital protocol would now make it possible to developuniversal paging systems for any part of the country served by the EASnetwork. The Purple Tree Technologies proposed system would consist of amethodology for acquiring the EAS signal from originator of the messagesuch as Emergency Action Notification Network (EAN), Primary Entry PointSystem (PEP), the National Weather Service (WXR), the civil authorities(CIV), or a broadcast station or cable system (EAS), developed toactivate the cell towers and/or satellites in the area affected by theevent, and the device designed with today's technology to be similar insize of a key chain remote for keyless entry system used in automobilesaround the world.

Emergency Alert System consists of a network of encoders and decoderslocated at all broadcast stations nation wide for the purpose ofnotifying the public of national emergencies. This system is also beingused by state and local emergency management personnel for warning thepublic of pending severe weather, tornados, radioactive release, Amberalerts, etc. The FCC has adopted a mandatory protocol for thetransmission of signals which includes state and local identificationand emergency codes. This universal approach greatly enhances ourability to adopt a national approach in creating a personal portableemergency alert system. The Federal Communication Commission releasedthe details, including location and emergency codes, of the proposedEmergency Alert System in document FCC 94-288.

Once an EAS signal has been encoded and transmitted, the NationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will have access to theinformation that not only includes weather-related events but also othercatastrophic events, Amber alerts and/or terrorist attacks, for example.The ability to access NOAA's database with regards to the EAStransmitted code would allow for the identification of the location ofthe warning area and the type of emergency just as hundreds of broadcaststations are notified hundreds of times a year—without the cost oftapping into EAS units throughout the country. Federal, state, or localgovernmental agencies requiring the ability to transmit emergencybroadcast to populace would have same capability with similar set-up.

When mobile phones were first developed, their purpose was simply toallow for voice communications. Most of these systems used analogtechnologies that transmitted voice over a finite number of FM radiobands. These systems are all but non-existent today and are known asfirst generation (1G) cellular networks. The second generation (2G)networks began to emerge in the 80's as digital networks. Thesecontinued to focus on voice communication, but added some extendedfeatures such as basic text or email messaging, caller id, multi-waycalling, extended roaming, and the ability to handle more users.

There were two competing underlying technologies for 2G networksdeveloped that are worth mentioning. The first of these is time divisionmultiple access (TDMA). This approach to sending digital signals throughthe air divides the allocated cell bandwidth (there are two major bandsallocated by the FCC to cell phones: 824-894 Mhz and 1850-1990 Mhz) intoa series of narrow bands. These narrow bands are then divided intomultiple time slices. Each time slice with in a band constitutes acommunication channel with a given mobile device. The major networkingtechnologies that use this method are GSM and IS-136. Though there aremany other TDMA networking standards, these are the only two with anysignificant land coverage.

The other 2G technology developed is code division multiple access(CDMA). This technology allows transmission of data over the entireallotted cellular phone spectrum. The messages for a specific mobiledevice will be coded with a unique signature that the device canrecognize and interpolate from the broadband data stream. Thistechnology is similar to a large party where everyone is speaking atonce, but one can differentiate conversation either by voice or bylanguage. Because the entire spectrum is used, and individual bands ortime slices do not need to be allocated, higher data rates can beachieved. Also, an additional advantage is the “soft” user limit. Thereis not a finite number of channels available for subscribers, instead,as the number of users on a given cell increases, the availablebandwidth per user decreases. The result is added noise or slowerconnections as traffic increases rather than denial of service. Theprimary 2G networking standard adopted on CDMA is commonly referred toas cdmaOne. This includes the IS-95-A and IS-95-B standards.

Recently, the rapid expansion of the Internet and increased demand formobile data services has led to the development of third generation (3G)networks. The primary impetus for 3G networks is to allow for internetprotocol (IP) connection and functionality for mobile devices. Thesenetworking standards are extremely complex and any functionaldescription of them is beyond the scope of this paper. However, theyhave many features that are very relevant to the development of anemergency broadcast system. Because of the high data rates required bymost IP based services CDMA is the radio interface of choice for 3Gnetworks. The most common networking protocols that fall in thiscategory are CDMA2000-1x and WCDMA, also known as UMTS. UMTS isconsidered to be the ultimate goal for 3G technology.

There is another protocol worth mentioning that does not fall directlyinto either 2G or 3G category. GPRS is an addendum to the GSM networkingstandard that implements an “always on” IP connection to the internet.Because this is not a fully realized 3G standard, but goes beyondstandard 2G services, GPRS is often referred to as being 2.5G. GPRS iscurrently implemented in most GSM networks world wide. Also, morerecently EDGE technology has been developed as an enhancement to GPRSservices, though it is not as widely implemented.

Today, most cellular network providers are in a long process ofupgrading from 2G networks to 3G networks. AT&T® and Cingular®, two ofthe largest owners of IS-136 networks are on a migration path to GSMnetworking technology and then eventually to UMTS. Though UMTSrealization on these networks probably will not for several years, theyhave already deployed GSM/GPRS networks across most major populationcenters in the U.S. Other companies, such as Verizon®, currently havefunctioning cdmaOne networks covering most of the U.S. land area and arein the process of upgrading to CDMA2000-1x and eventually to UMTS. Othercellular companies are at different stages in development but stillevolving towards UMTS.

In order to broadcast from a cellular network to all devices in thecell, the format of the data must be such that it does not disrupt othercommunications over the network. This means that any technology chosenmust already be designed for cell broadcast functions. The networkingtechnologies that are designed to do this kind of broadcasting are the2.5G and 3G networks. The specific technologies that support cellbroadcasting are GPS/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA2000-1x, and UMTS. GPS networksimplement the cell broadcasts through GPRS/EDGE service enhancements.These enhancements allow short, unacknowledged, text messages to betransmitted to all or a group of mobile devices within a cell. Themobile devices may be configured to receive all broadcasts or justspecific kinds of broadcasts depending on the user's preferences. UMTSnetworks also support the GPRS/EDGE broadcast controls in addition toother more powerful native broadcast controls. Some of the more powerfulcontrols allow for broadcast audio, images, and even video. ThoughCDMA2000-1x networks are not natively capable of broadcast messages,discussion of implementing the GPRS text broadcasting controls on thesenetworks has reached public forums in late 2003 and early 2004. The dateof implementation for these services is not clear.

There are three factors to consider when choosing a networking standardfor the inexpensive alert receivers. One is the coverage area ofexisting networks. Currently GSM/GPRS covers most population centers inthe U.S. CDMA2000-1x is rapidly expanding and may soon cover more areathan GSM. UMTS technology is not as widely available in the U.S. Thesecond consideration is reliability of the technology. GSM/GPRS has beentime tested in Europe and other parts of the world for over a decade.The CDMA based networks are all relatively young. The thirdconsideration is cost. This must also take into account maintenancecosts. GSM technology, because of its world wide use, is probably thecheapest to implement. However, CDMA technologies, especially UMTS, arelikely to be supported for the longest time and would not need to bereplaced as soon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a passive alert receiver which receivesalert information broadcast over cellular or satellite networks. Thealert receiver may include a display to display text messages related tothe alert message received and colored LEDs to provide additionalinformation such as the alert level. The alert receiver listens for abroadcast and only activates when a message is received. The alertreceiver may be integrated in cellular telephones, pagers, car remotes,and other portable devices such as laptop computers and portable digitalassistants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an alert system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a personal alert apparatus ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a cellular/satellite technology based emergencynotification system of the present invention is generally indicated byreference numeral 20. The emergency notification system 20 provides aquick method for delivering emergency messages to a large number ofmobile and static devices of different types in a localized area. Thetransmitting technology may communicate with most types and brands ofmobile and static devices and limit the broadcast to the area of asingle broadcast focus. An inexpensive alert receiver may be distributedto people who are unable to afford other appropriate mobile and staticdevices or who are responsible for lives, e.g., teachers, transportationauthorities, and medical workers. The alert receiver may also be capableof alerting those impaired with hearing and visual factors.

An emergency alert system (EAS) signal is generated, block 22, by FEMA,NOAA, or other governmental agency set up to issue emergency alerts. TheEAS uses a four part message for activation of the emergency system. Thefour parts include a preamble and EAS header codes, an audio attentionsignal, a message, and another preamble followed by EAS end of messagecodes.

The EAS protocol and message format are specified in the followingrepresentation: PREAMBLE ZCZC-ORG-EEE-PSSCCC+TTTT-JJJHHMM-LLLLLLLL

“PREAMBLE” is a consecutive string of bits set to clear the system, setthe automatic gain control (AGC) and set asynchronous decoder clockingcycles.

“ZCZC” is the identifier, sent literally as ASCII characters ZCZC toindicate the start of the ASCII code

“ORG” is the Originator code and indicates the organization whichinitiated the activation of the EAS such as the Emergency ActionNotification Network (EAN), the Primary Entry Point System (PEP), theNational Weather Service (WXR), the civil authorities (CIV), or abroadcast station or cable system (EAS), for example.

“EEE” is the Event code which indicates the nature of the EASactivation. The event codes are compatible with the codes used by theNational Weather Service (NWS) Weather Radio Specific Area MessageEncoder (WRSAME). There are over 30 Event codes such as EAN—EmergencyAction Notification (National only); TOR—Tornado Warning; HUW—HurricaneWarning; and TSW—Tsunami Warning, for example.

“PSSCCC” is the location Code and indicates the geographic area affectedby the EAS alert. The location code uses the Federal InformationProcessing System (FIPS) number as described by the U.S. Department ofCommerce in National Institute of Standards and Technology publication772. “P” defines the county subdivision from 1 to 9. Within the EAS,each county of each state is divided by a grid into nine parts. “SS”indicates the state code. “CCC” indicates the county code within thestate. A county code of 000 refers to the entire state.

“+TTTT” indicates the valid time period of the message in 15 minutesincrements up to one hour and then in 30 minute increments beyond onehour.

“JJJHHMM” is the day in Julian Calendar days (JJJ) of the year and timein hours and minutes (HHMM) when the message was initially released bythe originator using 25 hours Universal Coordinated Time (UTC).

“LLLLLLLL” is the call sign or other identification of the broadcaststation, or NWS office transmitting or retransmitting the message.

When the EAS signal is received, block 24, the event code is extractedto identify the nature of the emergency and the location code isextracted to determine the specific location of the emergency. Thespecific location is used to query a cell tower location database 26 toidentify the cellular towers located with the specified area.

The EAS coded transmission from a government agency or other authorizedentity is captured and a list of local telecommunication towers in theaffected area from the cell tower location database 26 is generated sothat only those towers affected by the alert are activated fortransmission of emergency information via a short message service, whichmay be a short text messaging service for pagers and cell phones. Sincecellular telecommunication towers operate on the concept of line-of-sitesignal transmission (approximately 7 to 10 miles), the ability toactivate only the pagers, cell phones and other devices in a given zoneis greatly enhanced. By adopting one universal activation format signaltransmitted in the 800 and 1900 MHz range, the personal emergency alertdevices may be activated and receive the transmission via the cellulartelecommunication tower.

Standardized icons may also be used which are easily recognizable to anindividual, regardless of language and hearing barriers. Short publicservice announcements to educate the population to the identificationand significance of each icon, representing national events,weather-related incidents, and Amber Alerts, for example, may be issued.

An operator in an appropriate data center may be prompted to approvedelivery of the alert code to the cell towers identified in the region,block 28, or the alert code may be automatically dispatched. If themessage is approved, the message is formatted for transmission to thecellular network providers over an Integrated Services Digital Network(ISDN) or other suitable network connection, block 30. The cellularnetwork service providers 32 broadcast the message through their networkof cell towers 34. Mobile phones 36 in the identified area receive thecell broadcast message from the network to alert the user of the natureof the emergency. The majority of cellular phones and other wirelessdevices in use today are capable of receiving broadcast messages throughthe GSM and CDMA technologies.

Cell phones and pagers 36 are designed to operate in the 800 and 1,900MHz range and are capable of decoding a limited number of encryptedmessages transmitted by the activated cell towers 34. The cell phonesand pagers 36 should be designed for Coded Division Multi Access or TimeDivision Multi Access technology consistently used throughout the UnitedStates wireless communication industry. The use of the pager, PDA andcell phone technology in conjunction with encryption software andhardware in this application would ensure the maximum portion of thepopulation would be notified in the event of severe weather,catastrophic event and/or terrorist attacks without the unauthorizedactivation of the unit. Other devices, such as vehicular dashboarddisplays for example, could be activated via satellite transmissions.

A passive device such as an E-FOB 38, is first activated by a NOAAbroadcast of the EAS signal from a NWS tower 40 operating in the 162 MHzrange. This same technology is used in standard weather radios. Once theE-FOB 38 has been activated by a signal from a NWS tower 40, the E-FOB36 listens for a signal from the nearest cellular tower 34. If the E-FOBdoes not receive a cellular tower transmission within a predeterminedperiod, the E-FOB 38 returns to an inactive state. If the E-FOB 38receives a signal from a cellular tower 34, the E-FOB 38 provides anindication to the user of the nature of the warning.

The broadcast decision from the primary operation center 28 may bedistributed to one or more redundant subordinate operation centers 42.If an EAS message fails to be broadcast by the operation center 28, theredundant subordinate operation center may release the message to thenetwork broadcast 30.

Referring to FIG. 2, a functional block diagram of a personal alertdevice or E-FOB is generally indicated by reference numeral 38.

A wakeup code antenna 50 is tuned to a wide area broadcast frequencysuch as 162 MHz NWS broadcasts, satellite broadcasts, POCSAG wide areapaging, or other suitable broadcast, for example. The wakeup codeantenna may be meander line antenna or other design to minimize theprofile for use in a small package such as a keychain or watch. Areceived signal is sent to an RF NWS/FM/AM/POCSAG receiver 52 which isused to power up the E-FOB device 38.

The RF receiver 52 includes filter and preamp circuits for the wide areawakeup signal. The purpose of this receiver is to extend the batterylife of the E-FOB device by only activating when a signal is received.With the system being activated only when a signal is received, the lifetime of the E-FOB on a single battery charge may be extended to one yearfor an average of 2 to 3 National Weather Service Alert signals perweek.

A monitor circuit 54 monitors the output of the RF receiver 52 for thewakeup signal. A typical wakeup signal that might be used is the seriesof tones transmitted over National Weather Radio (MWR) just prior to theannouncement of a tornado warning or watch, for example. The signal maybe any standardized or proprietary code specific to the device. Uponreceipt of the wakeup signal, the monitor circuit 54 generates an outputto a power supply control 56 which turns on the rest of the deviceutilizing technology similar to the activation circuits used by weatherradios currently available. The purpose of the wakeup antenna 50, RFNational Weather Service receiver 52, and monitor circuit 54 are tominimize power consumption and extend the life of battery 58. Thisprevents the device from continually scanning the 800 and 1900 MHzfrequency bands for a broadcast channel and emergency alert signal untilthere is an actual emergency in the area followed by a transmission overthe cellular network. Battery 58 may be a lithium ion or other highcapacity battery. Battery 58 may be rechargeable with provisions for abattery charging cradle or other recharger (not shown). When activated,the power supply control 56 applies power to a baseband processor 60 andother circuits in the E-Fob 38.

A dual band 800 & 1900 MHz antenna 62 is tuned to multiple bands toreceive any combination of GSM, CDMA, or both signals for local areareception. This dual band antenna 62 like the wake-up antenna 50 may bedesigned for use in a keychain or watch. When a signal is received bythe dual band antenna 62, it is sent to an RF GSM/CDMA dual bandreceiver 64, when activated by the power supply control 56. The RFGSM/CDMA dual band receiver 64 includes filter and preamp circuits forthe GSM/CDMA cellular signal. Global System for Mobile Communication(GSM) uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) with frequency hoppingwhereas CDMA uses Code Division Multiple Access technology. Bothcellular technologies are extensively utilized by the cellular industry.This receiver 62 may be designed for GSM or CDMA or hybrid both GSM/CDMAtechnologies.

The baseband processor 60 decodes cellular broadcast messages from thedual band receiver 64 and activates the appropriate outputs for user,described hereinbelow. Processor instructions may be stored in a flashmemory device 66 which define how broadcast messages should beprocessed. The process includes determination of the level of theemergency. For example, a high level warning requiring the user to takeshelter and/or terrorist alert may activate a red LED. Emergency alertsassociated with an amber alert may activate a yellow LED. Lower levelalerts such as tornado watch may activate a green LED. The layout of thethree-color LEDs 68 may be the same as a stoplight configuration of red,yellow and green to allow a color blind user to readily recognize thelevel of the alert. A fourth LED may also be included for monthlytesting of the device 38. If a wake-up code is received but there is nocellular tower for receiving a message in the immediate area, the redLED may be activated.

A text display 70 may be used to provide a text message to the user. Avibrator 72 may be activated to provide a tactile alert of the warningsignal to the user. Additionally, a speaker or beeper 74 may beactivated to provide an audible alert of the warning signal to the user.

In order to prevent unauthorized activation of these personal emergencyalert devices 38, a method of encryption and selected firewall hardwaremay be incorporated. The FORTEZZA encryption technology for wirelesscommunication developed under funding from Defense Advance ResearchProject Agency (DARPA) funding may used, for example. This technologywas demonstrated in September of 1996 for secure information transfer insupport of military operations via wireless and wired technology.

The E-Fob device is the solution for mass U.S. application. This wouldbe a small device, similar in size and dimensions to a remote key chain.It would have a screen to allow receipt of text messages specific to thealert and would also contain four LEDs—each one a different color. Thiscould be sold/distributed to the American populace at an extremely lowprice and allow anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, to protectthemselves in a more timely manner.

It should be understood that while a certain form of this invention hasbeen illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofaras such limitations are included in the following claims.

1. A method of disseminating emergency information comprising the stepsof: receiving event transmission information by a first receiver fromNOAA indicative of an emergency within a geographic area, said eventtransmission information including an emergency alert system (“EAS”)signal, said EAS signal including an event code, location code and amessage, receiving a NOAA signal within said geographic area by a wakeupantenna, providing a wakeup signal in response to receiving said NOAAsignal by said wakeup antenna to activate a passive receiving devicewithin said geographic region, extracting said event code, location codeand message from said EAS signal by said first receiver, identifying thenature of said emergency event from said event code by said firstreceiver, identifying at least one cellular tower within a predetermineddistance of a specified location identified by said location code withina portion of said geographic region by said first receiver, formattingsaid message and event code corresponding to said emergency event bysaid first receiver, transmitting said formatted message and event codeto said at least one cellular tower by said first receiver, broadcastingsaid formatted message and event code by said cellular towers, receivingsaid formatted message and event code broadcast from at least onecellular tower by said passive receiving device if said passivereceiving device is within said portion of said geographic region,deactivating said passive receiving device if said formatted message andevent code broadcast by said at least one cellular tower is not receivedwithin a predetermined period of time.
 2. The method as set forth inclaim 1 further comprising the step of prompting an operator to approvebroadcast of said message.
 3. The method as set forth in claim 2 furthercomprising a redundant prompting step activated upon delay or failure ofsaid operator to approve broadcast of said message.
 4. The method as setforth in claim 1 further comprising the step of querying a cell towerdatabase for cell tower location information.
 5. The method as set forthin claim 1 further comprising the step of providing said formattedmessage indicative of the nature of said emergency event to a cellularnetwork provider.
 6. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidtransmission information includes an initiating organization code, anemergency event code, a geographic location code, a time period code,and/or a date of alert code.
 7. The method as set forth in claim 1further comprising querying a cell tower database to identify cellulartowers within the geographic location of the emergency event.
 8. Themethod as set forth in claim 1 further comprising transmitting saidformatted message to one or more cellular network providers forbroadcasting over a network connection.
 9. An electronic warningreceiver comprising: a wakeup antenna for receiving a wakeup signal fromthe National Weather Service; a first receiver coupled to said wakeupantenna for decoding said wakeup signal; a monitor circuit coupled tosaid first receiver and responsive to Said decoded wakeup signal toactivate a power supply controller; said power supply controller forapplying power to the electronic warning receiver; a second antenna forreceiving a broadcast warning message; a second receiver connected tosaid second antenna for decoding said broadcast warning message, and amicroprocessor connected to said second receiver and responsive to saiddecoded message to activate LEDs, a text message and/or an audible alarmindicative of the warning message received.
 10. The electronic warningreceiver as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a tactile alarmactivated by said microprocessor.
 11. The electronic warning receiver asset forth in claim 10 wherein said power supply controller is activatedfor a predetermined period of time.